By all accounts the Santa Paws Bash, annual fundraiser for the Good Shepherd Humane Shelter, was a jolly time had by all as the community rallied to support the work being done for area pet rescue and re-homing.
“It was an amazing evening,” GSHS Executive Director, Cole Wakefield, said. “The board and volunteers really worked hard to make it all happen. The ballroom was full, there was a happy crowd, and everyone was having a good time. This was our major annual fundraiser, and I think we’re going to be pretty close to our goal of $50,000.”
During the Nov. 22 festivities, Wakefield announced the shelter’s acquisition of a second Fido Fixers mobile spay and neuter van and the award of a $13,000 grant from Tito’s Vodka, via the company’s Vodka for Dog People Program, which will help equip the new mobile clinic.
An annual award given in honor of Otto Mayer, the founder and first president of the GSHS board, was presented this year to Donna and Brandon Cox of Le Stick.
“A highlight of the evening for me was the presentation of our Otto Mayer Award,” Wakefield said. “Donna and Brandon’s daughter, Vaughn, certainly stole the show!”
The event also gave new shelter and adoption center manager, Meagan Blackburn, a chance to experience the enthusiasm of the local animal-loving community at large. Blackburn took up the post at GSHS on Sept. 2 with 17 years’ experience on the veterinary side of pet care, and according to Wakefield, has “been busy doing some reorganization.”
“She’s got the perfect attitude,” Wakefield said, “and we’re happy to bring her expertise on.”
The Bash turned out to be a bit of a surprise for Blackburn. “I’ve been to other charity events for animal rescues, and wasn’t expecting this,” she said. “It was a much better turnout than I’ve seen at other similar events. There was a great sense of community.”
Looking toward the new year, Wakefield said he will enjoy being home for the winter as he and the staff continue looking for new ways to serve the community and its pets. “We’re currently full for dogs, and we’re staying full but not stagnant – that is, we’re seeing a lot of good adoptions as other animals come in,” he said.
Meanwhile, the second of the Fido’s Fixers units will be ready to roll in the new year, making dog and cat spay/neuter scheduling more convenient. Dogs and cats can be neutered at three months, and pet owners are urged to schedule a month or more ahead as schedules are usually full. Call to reserve or get on a cancellation list.
Mobile unit scheduling can be done online at tinyurl.com/spayneuter2024 or call Good Shepherd for more info (479) 253-9188.